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Can anybody help me in identifying the attached photo,I'm told it was taken in the Congo (dosen't look like it though).Also told that all the men in pic were from the Western Command. I collect old military photos and would like to have as much info as possible with each one.
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Detail is difficult to make out in that picture, Drylander. However, from what I CAN see, the troops seem to be armed with bolt action rifles. AFAIK, the Army went on the Congo mission with FN-FAL's (or perhaps they were issued shortly afterwards).Originally posted by Drylander View Post
No doubt some of the history buffs on the board will able to confirm
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Had another look at the picture and the troops DO seem to have FN's, so perhaps it Is the Congo. Have just read "Heroes of Jadotville" and the troops of that Coy (A Coy 35 Inf Bn) were drawn mainly from W Bde alrightLast edited by FMolloy; 28 August 2007, 17:27."Well, stone me! We've had cocaine, bribery and Arsenal scoring two goals at home. But just when you thought there were truly no surprises left in football, Vinnie Jones turns out to be an international player!" (Jimmy Greaves)!" -
The early congo missions were done with .303s and bullswool afair......open to correction on that one though.Comment
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you be correct on that, they got old belgian denims when they got over thereOriginally posted by Barry View PostBut there's no danger
It's a professional career
Though it could be arranged
With just a word in Mr. Churchill's ear
If you're out of luck you're out of work
We could send you to johannesburg.
(Elvis Costello, Olivers Army)Comment
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AFIK, after being released back to the UN after their stint as POW's, the A Coy boys were armed with a mix of .303's and FN's, as thats what was available in stores after the loss of their original weapons (FN's). Maybe that could account for what appears to be a mix of FN's and .303's in the piccy. Then again there's fact and then there's guesswork!Last edited by FMolloy; 28 August 2007, 17:27.Im Ron Burgendy??Comment
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Tend to agree with tonyrdf on this one..and it might account for the brand new unshaped beret centre front row..these might be the heroes of Jadotville.Covid 19 is not over ....it's still very real..Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing and Masks.. keep safeComment
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The first Irish troops into the Congo arrived with Bullswool uniforms and .303 rifles (No ammo initially issued).Originally posted by Barry View Post
The issue of uniforms was incredibly slow. Priority was given to units that were already in the Congo to the detriment of units prepping to go out. It usually meant that a new unit was reduced to Bullswool for a month or 2. When uniforms did arrive, it was usually a case of 1 per person. Given the tempo of operations, this was totally inadequate. Much use was made of local women for laundry duties. The 33rd Bn went as far as purchasing 1600 tropical uniforms from a local textile company.
The LE Cliona was dispatched to Antwerp in May & July of 1961 to bring back newly purchased FN rifles. Despite thes, many of the troops heading to the Congo only received their new rifles only a few days before shipping out and a lot of training was done in the Congo in order to be able to use them.
The Irish army went through a major period of change due to the Congo crisis. If you compare the very first & very last soldier to go to the Congo, you would not find any similiarities in uniform. Local purchasing also caused variations in uniform even between units.
Thiose berets do look like UN berets as well.Last edited by Docman; 28 August 2007, 17:29.Comment
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congo is my opinion.Comment
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Drylander, where did you get that picture from. It's driving me crazy racking my functioning brain cell trying to remember where I have seen it before. In a group of three pics.....search function overload.....exterminate....... aaaaaaghhhhhhh!Comment
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Your spot on!..Originally posted by Barry View Post"There is nothing braver then the heart of a volunteer" Lt. Col. Dolittle, USAC, 1941.Comment
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have you finished with my book yet :POriginally posted by Barry View Post
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?Comment
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Definitely Congo. I love old photos as well. I know the photo is not very clear but the weapons seem to be FN and Gustaf SMG. The muzzle of the Gustaf, which was modified to take a bayonet, could be mistaken for a Lee Enfield MkIII at a distance or in a fuzzy photo. As we know the DF had the No 4 rifle in the Congo which could not be mistaken for a MkIII. I for one cannot identify a Lee Enfield in the photo. I know this may be wishful thinking but I imagined I saw a familiar shape to a head in the back row. Pity it wasn't clearer.Originally posted by Drylander View PostThe worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity.
(George Bernard Shaw, Playwright, 1856 - 1950)Comment
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Joshua,Originally posted by Joshua View Post
Can't for the life of me remember where I got that photo. Got it from 1 of 2 places. Either scanned it from a book , but the hot money says I downloaded it from a pic. gallery on some site. If I remember I will let you know.:Comment
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I know the pic. is badly blurred. Forget the weapons and uniforms for now, look at the building behind. Does this look like something from the Congo. I don't think so. Could be wrong. Usually am. DrylanderComment
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Would love to swap some old photos with you.Comment
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